China tests hypersonic missile vehicles that could deliver weapons at record speeds

We’ve heard about some interesting hypersonic technology concepts over the past few months. There have been hypersonic spy planes and hypersonic spaceliners, to mention a few. Now, a more feasible hypersonic aircraft is not just a concept since China actually tested a hypersonic glide vehicle last week.

Hypersonic spy plane concept by Lockheed Martin.

According to Pentagon officials and the Washington Free Beacon that first reported the story, on January 9, China tested a missile delivery vehicle that has the ability to breach a U.S. defense system.

The vehicle will potentially be able to deliver explosives at record-breaking speeds.

All of this news comes from a Pentagon official who chooses to remain anonymous and spotted the vehicle testing over China. The experimental weapon is said to be called the WU-14 by Pentagon officials.

Another Pentagon spokesperson also confirmed that the tests took place, but would not provide further details to the Washington Free Beacon .

Hypersonic illustration from DARPA that invests in hypersonic flight.

China is not alone in its hypersonic arms development. The U.S., Russia, and even India are all working on such vehicles since the new technology is to be used for flying and maneuvering in space and air between 3,840 mph and 7,680 mph, could deliver weapons quickly, and offer precise targeting.

According to the Pentagon source, the craft appears to be designed in a way that it would be launched on top of one of China’s intercontinental ballistic missiles then glides up to 10 times faster than the speed of sound.

According to an updated report by the Free Beacon , members of Congress voiced concerns about these arms tests in China.

“The development of high-tech weapons like these does nothing to support peaceful coexistence in the Pacific,” Washington Free Beacon reported the House leaders said.